Hi Head-fi community,
I just acquired an open box set of XC’s with carbon cups. I checked the serial number after making the purchase and realized they’re like 10 units before the 2021 driver update, making them the 2020 drivers (rather annoying but live and learn).
I’m currently using a Zen Dac V2 on my desktop, but considering the new headphones I’m also considering either adding a Can, or going a different route (nothing against the Zen). These will be used in 90% of the time at my desk with audio from an iPad Pro with Apple Music Lossless. Some sort of portability within the house is desirable but not a must. I also have a couple of sets of IEM’s that I can pair with my Quadelix (which allegedly can drive XC’s well), but if I can run one piece of hardware that would be nice. Im not in a position to EQ at the moment. Also, i’m not adverse to running balanced cables, it’s just an additional expense though something I would consider if there is a genuine difference. I think it depends on what your output.
Due to my location (Japan) I don’t have any Schiit or JDS labs stuff available and a lot of the mid-fi stuff isn’t stocked—usually more high end stuff (topping, smsl, etc are available). With that I’m considering a couple of options:
1: Just get a Can and call it a day, but it’s not pick up and go (yes I know DAC can).
2: get a Gryphon. I wasn’t actually considering this because of power recommendations, but noticed a couple of people here are running their XC’s off the Gryphon, so was wondering if this is actually a good combination. The appeal of the Griffin is portability and flexibility, good implementation of features, connection options.
3: get a Micro idsd signature. Refined sound, plenty of power, good implementation of other ifi features, portable, but equally at home on a desk, just not as versatile as the Gryphon.
4: complete left-field option is to get an RME ADI-2 DAC (non-pro) to leverage the equalizer and other features. Anecdotally it seems to pair well with the Zen Can. I’m leaning towards this option, even though it’s double the price of the other two options locally. Being double the price gets me into a different level of territory with other options like the Liberty DAC II for just a little more outlay. Seems like there are differing opinions on the RME— either it’s powerful enough using the internal amp or it’s not and a little anemic; it sounds a little bit dry and analytical and cold or it sounds plenty warm once the EQ is tweaked. My preference is probably slightly warm, a little bass elevation and might bring down bright highs.
5: there are other options out there like the Liberty II or the Burson composer models that are available in around my price point, but not sure what their synergy would be like with the 2020 XC. Also on a really random note with regards to the space I have, these models seem to tend to run long versus wide, whereas something that runs a little bit wide versus long would be a better fit for my desktop set up. Not an option killer, but just something I’m considering.
I have seen these options mentioned over the multiple pages on this thread, but was hoping to just get a quick consensus this might help other people with limited options available. Thank you!
